Tag Archives: Mindfulness

There’s an ever-present underlying feeling that most of us have that we could be doing things better. That we’re not sure how to live life. That we’re doing things wrong.

This leads us to try to optimize, to try to improve, but also to feel bad, to seek comfort and distraction, to procrastinate while we seek the answers. This is normal and there’s nothing wrong with it.

But I’d like to assure you that you’re doing nothing wrong. That you don’t need to optimize or do things better.

Try this:

For just a moment, pause where you are, and soak in the current state of the room around you, and your own state. Just notice what this is like.

Now see how this moment is enough. Just as it is. Without any need for improvement. It is a wonder, and there’s no need for more.

Now see how you are enough. Just as you are. Without any need for improvement. You are also a wonder, exactly enough.

You can go about your day, pausing every now and then to do a check: is this moment enough? Are you enough? And try answering, “Yes, absolutely and wonderfully.”

Originally published on ZenHabits by Leo Babauta, who allows others to freely use his work. Thank you, Leo

Editors note: Start from enough. Better may or may not follow. Live with that for awhile. Let that be enough too.

What do you do if your life is a mess, you have no discipline or routines, can’t stick to anything, procrastinate, and feel out of control?

How do you get started with the discipline habit when you have so much to change?

You start by washing your dishes.

It’s just one small step: when you eat your cereal, wash your bowl and spoon. When you finish drinking coffee or tea, wash your cup. Don’t leave dishes in the sink or counter or table.

Mindfully wash your dish, right away.

Form this habit one dish at a time, one day at a time. Once you do this for a few weeks, you can start making sure the sink is clean. Then the counter. Then put your clothes away when you take them off. Then start doing a few pushups. Eat a few vegetables.

One of these at a time, you’ll start to build the discipline habit and trust yourself to stick to something.

But for now, just wash your dishes. Mindfully, with a smile.

By Leo Babauta of Zen Habits. Leo grants permission to repost his work freely.